Research has found that individuals with disc herniation/s can have a delayed braking time when driving. After undergoing surgery these individuals showed significant improvement in braking time.
Based on this information Dr. Jimenez looks at how individuals with functional sciatica, (often caused by a herniated disc) meaning they can move and operate a vehicle to a certain point without generating pain, however they often put themselves in extreme/awkward positions just to operate, could also have a delay in brake reaction time. �
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Sciatic Nerve
The sciatic nerve is a large nerve that travels from the lower back down both of the legs and into the feet.�Sciatica begins in the low back. The nerve roots in the lower spine come together and turn into the sciatic nerve. Sciatica happens when these nerves get pinched/compressed. This usually occurs from a herniated disc or when the spinal canal narrows called stenosis.
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Symptoms
Typically, sciatica causes:
Pain in the leg/s
Shooting pain that goes down from the low back, through the leg, calf and sometimes into the foot
Electrical pain running/shooting down the leg
Burning pain
Pain from slight movement
Numbness
Weakness
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A car accident can cause sciatica, but now it seems that sciatica can cause an automobile accident because of delayed braking reaction time. People with sciatica that is present without pain often say there is a constant non-painful tingling, numbness, or numbing sensation along the leg that lets them know the sciatica is still there.
This could be insufficient blood flow from wherever the impingement is happening. Keep in mind that there could be multiple areas of impingement. Just like the slow blood flow, they may find when they drive the impingement slows the motor-sensory signal and braking time to depress the brake pedal fast enough to avoid a collision.
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Nerve Treatment
Sciatica can be treated non-surgically with:
Chiropractic
Physical therapy
24 to 48 hours of rest
Over the counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen
Muscle spasms can be treated with heat or ice
� Patients with sciatica feel better with time, usually a few weeks. However, if pain continues, other forms of treatment can be discussed.�A doctor or chiropractor may advise�light exercise and therapeutic stretching. As recovery progresses they may give you exercises to strengthen the back and core.
With new automobiles implementing automatic braking systems has helped significantly reduce accidents, however, there are still bugs to sort out. This is normal with these computerized systems. Reliance upon these systems, especially those with sciatica, herniated, or bulging disc/s, could be a dangerous combination, specifically when it comes to braking reaction time.
Sciatica Pain* Treatment Relief
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Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*
Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require added explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
A burst fracture describes an injury to the spine where the vertebrae get compressed severely. These types of injuries occur from severe trauma, like an automobile accident or a serious fall, sports injury, work injury. These injuries entail a great deal of force into the spine, so much so that a vertebra can get crushed.
When crushed in the front of the spine, a wedge-shaped fracture occurs and is known as a compression fracture.
But if the vertebral body gets crushed in all directions this is known as a burst fracture.
The term burst means that the vertebral body spreads out in all directions.
Severe Injury
This is a much more severe injury than a compression fracture. With the bones crushed and possible rough jagged edges, if they spread out the spinal cord has a high probability of being injured. The fragments can bruise the spinal cord causing paralysis or partial neurologic injury. The spine becomes far less stable than from a compression fracture.
Nerve Injury
Neurologic injuries from a burst fracture can range from no injury to paralysis. This depends on the amount of force present at the time of the injury and how much the spinal canal is compromised.
A greater amount of force equals more bony fragments that can be forced into the spinal canal and cause higher loss of spinal cord function.
This can cause loss of:
Strength
Sensation
Reflexes below the injury
With an incomplete spinal cord injury, partial paralysis or partial reflex loss occurs.
With a mild burst fracture, only short-term symptoms could be present and no neurologic injury.
Intense Pain
Burst fractures can cause intense pain and the pain is right where the trauma took place.
But pain can also present in the legs and feet depending on how the spinal nerves were affected, shifted or pinched. Patients complain of an electric tingling or shooting type sensation in their legs with spinal cord compression. With a burst fracture, individuals are unable to walk right after the trauma. But the pain percentage present is severe enough that they know not to try and walk.
Diagnosis
If at the sight of the accident the patient says that they have severe back pain should not be in a seated flexed position. They need to be kept lying flat and transported in a flat position.
If they stand or sit with a burst fracture, it can increase the possibility of a neurologic injury.
Burst fractures require immediate medical attention from an orthopedic or neurosurgeon. The patient is taken to an emergency room and x-rays, CT scans are gathered.
The diagnosis of a burst fracture is typically made with x-rays and a CT scan.
Sometimes, an MRI will be ordered to assess the amount of:
Soft tissue trauma
Bleeding
Ligament injury
The CT scan and x-rays allow the doctor to determine the level of the fracture, and if it is a:
Compression fracture
Burst fracture
Fracture-dislocation
This will determine how much the spinal canal has been compromised and if its angulation or angle has taken an abnormal bend or curve. These factors all contribute to the development of an optimal treatment plan.
The physical exam will document:
Spinal deformity and Angulation of the spine
Tenderness of the spine where the fracture is located
Neurologic exam
Neurologic exam should include testing:
Muscle strength
Sensation
Reflexes of the lower extremities
Testing of bowel and bladder control
Treatment & Recovery
A stable burst fracture can be treated without surgery.
A stable burst fracture falls into these parameters:
There is no neurologic injury
The angulation is less than 20 degrees
The amount of spinal canal compromise is less than 50%
With this type of treatment, a brace along with physical therapy/chiropractic can have excellent results.
A turtle or clamshell brace TLSO�(Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis) is a body cast used in the treatment of a burst fracture.
The brace is worn for eight to twelve weeks for adequate and optimal healing.
There are times when a fracture thought stable and treated can start to angulate. This may require surgery. However, all burst fractures require some form of treatment.
Recovery
Nonsurgical treatment patients stay in the hospital for one or two days while their brace is fit.
X-rays are done in the standing position to make sure the spine stays stable.
Pain medications are prescribed for three to four weeks
Non-narcotic medications can begin after the final week
When the brace is removed, physical therapy and chiropractic are instituted to help return strength to the core and lower extremities.
Surgical patients will remain in the hospital for three to five days.
They will be fitted with a brace after the incisions present less pain and are recovered from the surgery.
They can walk within one or two days with the help of a physical therapist.
X-rays are taken to follow the position of the spine and see how the healing is progressing.
Chiropractic/Physical therapy is implemented to help with core strength and lower extremity strength.
Recovery time depends on the severity of the neurologic injury.
Patients that don’t have a neurologic injury can make a full recovery with return to most activities.
Patients with partial neurological injuries can also expect to fully recover.
Unfortunately, with permanent neurologic injury, recovery can be limited.
But treatment for burst fractures today is superior to what they were years ago, especially with spine specialists and specific spinal procedures.
Chiropractic Rehab
Chiropractic is not a treatment for fractures but is a treatment for subluxations and rehabilitation with these types of fractures. Once a fracture has stabilized and healed properly, a chiropractic evaluation can rule out any lingering subluxation, herniation, and joint restriction. The adjustments are safe and effective in establishing optimal function to a subluxated joint.
Chiropractic Treatment For Car Accident Injuries El Paso, Texas
We focus on what works for you. We also strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total wellness programs. These programs are natural and use the body�s own ability to achieve goals of improvement.
NCBI Resources
Chiropractors can help alleviate some of the long-term and immediate concerns associated with bone fractures. A chiropractor can help with compression techniques which are beneficial in maintaining the bone in place for healing. A chiropractor may also advocate wellness techniques, such as a healthy diet that will optimize the body�s ability to restore its original health and wellness. Chiropractors may also educate a patient on a variety of exercises and stretches to reduce the likelihood of complications and which, if done properly and at fixed intervals, will promote quicker recovery.
Mr. Manuel Lozano was involved in a car accident which resulted in back pain. The painful symptoms began to manifest, and Mr. Lozano struggled to participate in his everyday physical activities. That’s when Manuel Lozano found chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez. Manuel Lozano received chiropractic care with Dr. Jimenez and found tremendous pain relief from his symptoms. Manuel Lozano discusses how Dr. Jimenez taught him how to improve his overall quality of life. Manuel Lozano highly recommends Dr. Jimenez, a chiropractor in El Paso, TX, as the non-surgical choice for automobile accident injuries.
El Paso Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
I assure you, I will only accept the best for you�
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend�us.
Involvement in a car crash is an unfortunate situation that can result in various automobile accident injuries. People suffering from whiplash, neck pain, and back pain due to an auto accident can struggle to continue their regular activities. Dr. Alexander Jimenez is a personal injury chiropractor who focuses on treating automobile accident injuries, among other health issues.
Patients describe how their quality of life was affected after a car crash and discuss how chiropractic care with Dr. Jimenez helped them recover their overall health and wellness. The patients highly recommend Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-surgical choice for personal injuries and auto accident injuries, among other health issues, such as whiplash, neck pain, and back pain.
El Paso Back Clinic
https://youtu.be/1MFwLhYbTRU
We are blessed to present El Paso’s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic to you.
As El Paso’s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we are passionately focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
I assure you, I will only accept the best for you
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend us.
Automobile injury accidents are common health problems which can affect an individual’s overall health and wellness. For several patients, automobile accident injuries can tremendously restrict their capacity to participate in their regular physical tasks. Dr. Alex Jimenez is a doctor of chiropractic in El Paso, TX who specializes in the identification, treatment, and prevention of a variety of health problems associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system, such as auto accident injuries. Chiropractic care is another treatment option which uses spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to thoroughly fix any misalignment of the backbone, or subluxation, which might be causing debilitating symptoms. Dr. Alex Jimenez is the non-surgical choice for car accident injuries, among other health problems.
Chiropractic Rehabilitation
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
I assure you, I will only accept the best for you�
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend�us.
Terry Peoples, relies on her ability to perform her day to day tasks on a regular basis as a beauty adviser in El Paso, TX. However, when she endured a car incident injury, she had no choice but to rely upon others to execute her daily pursuits. That is when Terry Peoples obtained a recommendation to seek chiropractic treatment with Dr. Alex Jimenez. Terry Peoples makes sure to visit Dr. Alex Jimenez’s office as necessary, feeling better and refreshed each time.
Car Accident Chiropractic Pain Treatment
In accordance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than three million people are injured each year in car accidents across the country. The several injuries brought on by an auto accident can be as varied as the individual requirements of each episode, but some automobile accidents are more prevalent than the others. The indicators of some automobile collisions may resolve by themselves, but most accidents and/or conditions caused by the effect of a vehicle crash might call for immediate medical care, such as chiropractic treatment, to ultimately help improve the symptoms.
We are blessed to present to you�El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way please feel free to subscribe and recommend�us.
I got into a car accident, I was rear-ended on Valentine’s Day and things weren’t quite right in my body, the aches and pains started coming. So after I visited another chiropractor and talked to my client, they told me about this place and when I came I was like, okay, I’m not going back to the other place. And that’s how I head about him (Dr. Alex Jimenez) and I’m so grateful. – Terry Peoples
Based on information referenced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or NHTSA, approximately more than three million individuals are injured annually in automobile accidents throughout the United States alone. While the unique conditions of every car crash can ultimately result in a wide variety of injuries, some types of automobile accident injuries are more common than others.
Fortunately, a majority of automobile accident injuries may resolve on their own without the need for treatment, however, more significant health issues caused by the auto collision may require some amount of treatment and/or rehabilitation and others may unfortunately become permanent if left untreated. It’s fundamental for the victim of an automobile accident to seek immediate medical attention in order for them to receive a proper diagnosis for their motor vehicle injuries before proceeding with the most appropriate treatment option for them.
Prior to following any necessary medical procedure, understanding some of the most common automobile accident injuries can help you become aware of the steps you can take to ensure that you are getting the proper care for your health issues. Furthermore, the type and severity of motor vehicle accidents suffered by the victims involved in a car crash may largely depend on several variables, including:
Was the individual wearing a seat belt?
Did the person’s car get hit from the back, side or front?
Was the occupant facing straight ahead in the seat? Or was the person’s head or body turned in a particular direction?
Was the incident a low-speed collision or a high-speed crash?
Did the car have airbags?
There are two broad categories of automobile accident injuries: impact injuries and penetrating injuries. Impact injuries are generally characterized as those caused when a portion of the individual’s body hits some part of the interior of the car. Frequently, this can be a knee hitting a dashboard or the head hitting the seat rest or the side window during an auto collision. Penetrating injuries are generally characterized as open wounds, cuts and scrapes. Shattering glass or loose items flying inside the car on impact can often cause these types of automobile accident injuries. Below, we will discuss the most common automobile accident injuries and describe them in detail.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Soft tissue injuries are some of the most common types of automobile accident injuries. A soft tissue injury is typically characterized as trauma, damage or injury to the body’s connective tissue, including tendons, ligaments and muscles. Soft tissue injuries can vary depending on the type of connective tissue it affects as well as on the grade and severity of the harm. Because soft tissue injuries do not involve open wounds, it may be challenging to diagnose these type of automobile accident injuries.
A whiplash-associated disorder, most frequently referred to as a whiplash injury to the neck and upper back, is a type of soft tissue injury. In this form of harm, the muscles, tendons and ligaments are stretched beyond their natural range due to the abrupt movements imposed on the neck and head from the force of the impact at the point of collision. These same mechanisms may additionally cause soft tissue injuries in other regions of the body, such as the back. Automobile accidents can also often cause mid-back and low-back muscle sprains, and at times, these may cause severe back injuries and even aggravate underlying conditions due to the sheer force from the impact on the spine.
Cuts and Scrapes from Automobile Accident Injuries
During an auto collision, any loose objects inside the car can immediately become projectiles which can be thrown about the vehicle’s interior. This includes cell phones, coffee glasses, eyeglasses, purses, books, dash-mounted GPS systems, etc.. If one of these objects strikes your body at the time of the incident, they can easily cause cuts and scrapes as well as cause additional trauma, damage or injuries.
Occasionally, these cuts and scrapes are relatively minor and require no immediate medical attention. More severe cases of these type of automobile accident injuries, however, could create a relatively large open wound and may require stitches to prevent blood loss. Cuts or scrapes can also occur when your airbag deploys from the auto collision.
Head Injuries
Head injuries in the form of automobile accident injuries can take a number of forms, where some can be considered comparatively minor and others can virtually be quite severe. The sudden stop or shift in direction by a motor vehicle during an car crash can cause an individual’s head and neck to jolt or jerk abruptly and unnaturally in any direction, overstretching the complex structures of the cervical spine beyond their normal range, leading to muscle strains and whiplash-associated disorders.
The head itself can also be injured during an auto accident. Impact with a side window or with the steering wheel may cause cuts, scrapes and bruises to the head, as well as even deeper lacerations. More severe collision impacts can cause a closed head injury. In that circumstance, the fluid and tissue inside the skull are damaged due to the abrupt movement or impact of the head. Less acute closed head injuries often result in concussions, while the most severe head injuries can cause brain damage.
Chest Injuries
Chest injuries are also common auto accident injuries. These type of injuries are usually identified as contusions or bruises, however, these can also take the form of much more severe injuries, like fractured ribs or internal injuries. Drivers often experience chest injuries due to their position behind the steering wheel, which offers very little space to move before the torso collides with the steering wheel. If an individual’s body is thrown forward during a motor vehicle collision, even if their chest doesn’t impact the steering wheel or dashboard, the torso will experience tremendously high amounts of force, specifically against the shoulder harness or seat belt, which may cause severe bruising.
Arm and Leg Injuries
The very same sheer forces which unexpectedly throw a person’s head and neck back-and-forth during a car crash can behave similarly on arms and legs. If your vehicle experiences a side impact, your arms and legs may be tossed hard against the door. In addition, if you’re a passenger, your legs typically have very little room to move. As a result, automobile accidents often cause an occupant’s knees to strike the dashboard or even chairs in front of them.
Based on the circumstance of the auto collision, automobile accident injuries to your arms and legs may include bruises, scrapes and cuts, however, sprains and even fractures in both the upper and lower extremities can happen. Keep in mind that some injuries aren’t apparent following a car accident. It may take days, weeks, or even months for symptoms to manifest. Therefore, if you’ve been involved in an automobile accident, it is best to seek immediate medical attention.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
After being involved in an auto accident, it may sometimes take days, weeks, even months for symptoms to manifest completely. For your own health and wellness, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention following the car crash. While many types of injuries can occur, there are several common automobile accident injuries which can develop due to the sheer force of the impact, such as whiplash-associated disorders. Whiplash is a prevalent auto accident injury which is characterized as a type of neck injury which happens when the complex structures surrounding the cervical spine are stretched far beyond their natural range of motion. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment option which can treat a variety of auto accident injuries.
Chiropractic Care After an Automobile Accident
Many healthcare professionals are qualified and experienced�in the treatment of a variety of automobile accident injuries, especially chiropractors. Chiropractic care is a well-known, alternative treatment option which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of numerous injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system. If you’ve been involved in an auto collision, chiropractic care can offer substantial benefits towards your current well-being, supporting your recovery process.
After a car collision, you may experience pain and discomfort, decreased range of motion, stiffness or soreness. Remember that these symptoms may not always manifest immediately after a motor vehicle accident. Through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, chiropractic care will help you manage painful symptoms, as well as help enhance flexibility, increase strength and improve mobility, promoting a faster recovery. In addition, it can prevent long-term symptoms from developing, such as migraines and chronic pain. The sooner you get chiropractic care after a car wreck, the more likely you are to recover fully.
By carefully restoring the original alignment of the spine, chiropractic care helps reduce pain and other painful symptoms. Furthermore, a chiropractor can recommend a series of exercises and physical activities to help pump oxygen, blood and nutrients to the injury site and enhance recovery. A doctor of chiropractic will develop a personalized treatment program targeted to your specific automobile accident injuries. Chiropractic care also makes it possible to avoid the need for surgical interventions. It strengthens ligaments, tendons and muscles, which shield the body’s structures. It’s also a far more cost-effective solution.
Chiropractic care can also restore function in patients with older vehicle collision injuries. You are still able to benefit from chiropractic care even if you had an accident years back. Employing spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, as well as rehabilitation techniques, it helps relieve old pain and improve function. Additionally, it is a non-invasive treatment option, and you won’t end up needing to rely on pain drugs and/or medications for relief of your symptoms.
Chiropractors can even treat vertigo resulting from a car crash. In as little as one treatment, they could fix a dysfunction in the vestibular system. Other types of chiropractic care treatment techniques include massage, ultrasound, ice and cold treatment, specific exercises and physical activities, and even nutritional advice. Chiropractic care is a safe and effective treatment approach which can help treat automobile accident injuries without the need for drugs and/or medications as well as surgery.
If you suffered a car accident injury, don’t delay any longer. Contact a chiropractor and allow them to help you follow the best treatment path. Chiropractors can provide you a consultation to perform a comprehensive evaluation and make a treatment strategy targeted to your injuries.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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